Is birthyear watch overrated?

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by adam78

I'd much rather have the no-crown-guard Sub my father is wearing in this photo (I'm about 1), but unfortunately it was traded in after suffering water damage in the early '70s.

what a great picture. Would be cool to see that watch today. Atleast you have this great photo to remind you.

[pacifichrono]

I bought a solid gold birth year watch, at first thinking it was really cool to have. But I, too, found no real connection to it, maybe because I couldn't relate to the time period around when I was born. I have found much more of a connection with watches manufactured in my teens and twenties.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by pacifichrono

I bought a solid gold birth year watch, at first thinking it was really cool to have. But I, too, found no real connection to it, maybe because I couldn't relate to the time period around when I was born. I have found much more of a connection with watches manufactured in my teens and twenties.

That's probably why I don't relate to birthyear watches.. The ones that caught my eye were those I saw in my teens and my interest grew from there.

That, and none of the current "Sport Watches" existed around my birth year..

[kam1]

Originally Posted by viknijjar

I like em. I have a birth year 5512.

Me too. 5513.


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[eeh100773]

I'd like to get one some day, and find myself checking the classifieds from time to time. Saw this one the other day:




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[Porsche958]

Being that my birth year is 1984 the only watch I want from that year is a matte dial Pepsi, which I will eventually have but am in no rush. I have '68 5513 so it's hard to find anything that compares within my birth year...


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[h2000]

Was looking for a birth year 77 1680, however came across an untouched one from 75 which I ended up buying. The birth year thing has passed, however I do like to look at it, know that it's older than me and wonder about all the places it has been before me... There is something to be said about that..

[Cortezthekiller]

Originally Posted by roh123

My recommendation is to always buy the right watch. If it's from the right year it's kind of icing on the cake.

It's just another collector thing. To try to make sense of it takes all the fun away. Luckily, I was born in the seventies and I like the style of these watches. So if I can swing a '73 for a watch in similar condition, I'll take it. Otherwise, it's no big deal.

My first vintage (non-rolex) was a birth year, but it was THE watch I was looking for.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Tools

Everybody has their own tics and wrinkles..

Personally I just do not understand the idea of having a watch from your birth year. The entire concept eludes me but I suppose that's just the way I'm wired..

I also don't understand the concept of buying a watch and sticking it in a safe for 18 years for a child. Don't get me wrong.. I've bought my kids Rolex and cars for graduation and other occasions. But I'm pretty sure that if I pulled a watch out of the safe from back in the dark ages my kids would be polite, but it may not fit in with their current life views..

I wouldn't openly criticize anybody for such a desire; I just don't get it..

Agree 100%

[adambisogno]

I am on vigilant watch for that Stratocaster that was assembled on my birthday. Outside of that I had not considered it.

It would be nice to look at my watch and know we are the same age I suppose.

[rmurphy]

I can relate on both sides of the debate. I understand maybe wanting one then not feeling a connection but I think that if I knew more of what was manufactured in 1971 I might have a better ability to say "yes" I want a birth year watch. I guess I could go to googling until I'm about to die from information overload but the "connection" I hear repeated a lot in this thread, thankfully I found in the watches that I own. I only have two. Of course my P serial 16610 with lug holes literally makes me woozy when I slip it on. It's perfect to me. Construction,style,function and then my beater work watch even makes me smile because I know I'm not off beating up my pride and joy. So I got long winded to hint at if anyone would start sharing what was available in '71 that would be a keeper. Here is my humble stable taken in a photo for another thread where I participated, show us your car and watch. Silly I know, but it's nice to participate.



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[Shade]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Damn! I knew I should have come to you guys first. The serial number is all roman numerals and the warranty card is in Hieroglyphics. Is that bad?

Its definitely bad - Plus the Rolex brand is way off, its at 3 o'clock position.

[RolexPete]

I wanted a birth year Rolex and picked up a nice Datejust from 1968. It is with Rikki right now for a full service. To me it is important to have a birth year Rolex. But that's just me!

[flyinghell34]

I was only born once in 1968 but have two watches to commemorate to occasion.

Maybe some birth years don't lend themselves to sexy watches. Other than some political upheaval, a little war in Asia, and a bit of social strife, 1968 was a pretty good year for GMT's, Speedmasters, and me.

[beaglehusky]

I love my 1675 ('72), and I have a Rolex for each of my kids' birth years, which will be handed out when appropriate. There aren't many things that last 40+ years and don't go out of style or function. I hope my kids appreciate them as much as I do, but if they don't my feelings won't be hurt.

The watch that inspired me to start collecting (Omega DeVille) was one my dad wore when I was a kid and brings happy memories from my childhood, I was thrilled when he gave it to me and will never part with it.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Clay

I don't think they had watches when I was born...

The company that made sundials for my birthday has gone out of business...

[crimsondonkey]

I've always wanted a red Sub, and a watch from my birth year (yeah sentimental!). Best of both worlds I've been very fortunate to find and purchase a 71 Red Sub and am eagerly awaiting its arrival on these shores some time next week hopefully.

As I have a daughter she will receive it when I shuffle off and I'm wistfully thinking she might have a son at some point in the future who will enjoy it.